Press Release 2 November 2005

MEDALS SALE PACKED WITH HEROIC MEMORIES OF BRITISH BATTLES FROM WATERLOO TO THE PRESENT DAY

On 24th November 2005, Spink will offer 481 lots of medals and militaria for sale, which are replete with the stories of supreme heroism and self sacrifice that lie behind the awards.

Emotive highlights of the sale include the ‘Falklands’ Group of Three awarded to Lieutenant Commander C.J. Pollard, estimated at £3,500-4,000.

On May 25 1982 H.M.S. Coventry was deployed with H.M.S. Broadsword to protect troopships landing men and equipment on the Falkland beaches. Ten miles off the coast, the two ships were attacked by a squadron of Argentinian Skyhawks. Pollard, standing watch in the Ship’s operations room, used a computer link with the Broadsword to track and shoot down two planes leading the air strike. Pollard recalls the moment when a third wave of Skyhawks attacked and sank the Coventry :“Through my clenched eyes, everything went white as the first of the bombs exploded. The deck heaved as the ship was lifted out of the water and it felt like my knee sockets were getting ripped out.” Lieutenant Commander Pollard never spoke openly about the war until 20 years after its end. Of Coventry’s original crew of 280, 19 were killed and 25 injured that day as she sunk off Pebble Island.

A second outstanding group is the Second War Bomber Command Conspicuous Gallantry Medal Group of six awarded to Warrant Officer J. ‘Jack’ Bettany, estimated at £6,500-7,500, who threw flaming incendiary bombs out of his stricken Lancaster with his bare hands.

Flight Sergeant Bettany was the wireless operator on a Lancaster bomber sent to attack Pforzheim one night in February, 1945. Immediately after the target was bombed, another Lancaster, flying directly above, released its load of incendiaries, which fell on to the wings of Bettany’s aircraft. An additional 15 to 20 incendiaries fell into the fuselage of the aircraft putting all intercommunications out of commission and jamming the doors of the rear turret. Bettany immediately started throwing the blazing bombs out with his bare hands. The pilot gave orders to bale out and told Bettany to pass on the message to the mid-upper and rear gunners. As he moved throughout the aircraft, alerting the crew, his own parachute was caught and deployed within the plane, making his immediate escape impossible. Disregarding his own safety, he saw the mid-upper and rear gunners safely jump before going back to collect the spare parachute and baling out himself. Bettany’s actions were responsible for saving the lives of the entire crew. After baling out, he landed behind enemy lines in broad daylight and walked in full uniform through enemy territory until being halted by American troops. At first, they mistook him for a spy, but soon realised he was in fact an Englishman and put him on a train to safety.

For more information on any lots in the sale or to set up an interview with a specialist please contact the Spink press office.

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About Spink

Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of coins, stamps, medals and banknotes. Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holders of three royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offer an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.

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